Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys projected starting lineup and depth chart for Week 17 | 2025 NFL season

The NFL likely envisioned a playoff-relevant showdown when it placed Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders on the Christmas Day schedule. However, that vision has not materialized.

Thursday’s afternoon game features two underachieving teams already eliminated from postseason contention. Washington will also be without Jayden Daniels, as the promising quarterback has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after injuries restricted him to only seven games.

Having lost nine of its last 10 games, Washington (4-11) will be forced to start its third-string quarterback against Dallas, as backup Marcus Mariota is sidelined with a hand injury.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys have been more competitive than their division rival, but a 6-8-1 record under first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer still means they don't play playoff football for a second straight season.

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With no postseason stakes attached, here is a look at the projected starting lineups for the Cowboys and the Commanders ahead of their dead-rubber NFC East showdown.

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Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys projected starting lineup for Week 17

Washington Commanders projected starting lineup

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders - NFL 2025 - Source: Getty

Below is the Washington Commanders' projected lineup on offense against the Dallas Cowboys:

Here's a look at Washington's projected starting defensive lineup:

Let's look at the Commanders' special teams projected lineup:

Dallas Cowboys projected starting lineup

Quarterback Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys - Source: Getty

Below is the Dallas Cowboys' projected lineup on offense against the Washington Commanders:

Here's a look at Dallas’ likely defensive lineup:

Let's look at the Cowboys' special teams projected lineup:

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Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys depth chart

Washington Commanders depth chart

Here is the Commanders’ offensive depth chart:

Washington's defensive depth chart is below:

Let's look at the Commanders’ special teams depth chart:

Dallas Cowboys depth chart

Here is the Cowboys’ offensive depth chart:

Dallas’ defensive depth chart is below:

Let's look at the Dallas’ special teams depth chart:

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How to watch the Commanders vs. Cowboys Week 17 Christmas Day game? TV schedule and live stream details

What once looked like a late-season playoff push has gone up in flames for the Dallas Cowboys. A 34-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last week, their third straight defeat, officially eliminated Dallas from postseason contention.

Now, the Cowboys will play their first game as an eliminated team on Christmas Day, when they travel to Northwest Stadium to meet the Washington Commanders, another team that has had a frustrating and underwhelming campaign.

Fans can catch the Commanders-Cowboys matchup at 1 p.m. ET, but it’s only available for streaming through Netflix. Subscriptions are required, with tiers starting at $7.99 for Standard with ads, $17.99 for ad-free Standard, and $24.99 for Premium.

In the broadcast booth, Ian Eagle will call the action alongside analysts Nate Burleson and Matt Ryan, while Sara Walsh and Melanie Collins provide sideline updates from Northwest Stadium.

Game details:

Date and Time: Thursday, Dec. 25 at 1 p.m. ET

Location: Northwest Stadium, Landover, Maryland

TV: Exclusively available for streaming on Netflix

Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Nate Burleson (color analyst), Matt Ryan (analyst), Sara Walsh (sideline reporter), Melanie Collins (sideline reporter)

Edited by nagpaltusharn25